The scouts were eagerly gazing at one thing or another in their progress up the steep trail when Betty gave a little cry and jumped out of the way.
“What is it—a rattler?” cried many voices, anxiously.
“No, but the cutest little rabbit I ever saw,—just like the one Verny caught and helped in the Adirondacks, you know.”
Tally then added, “No rattlers on dis side Rockies, all on udder side mountains.”
“Betty’s scream would make one think she was facing a grizzly!” said Julie, scornfully.
“I wasn’t frightened,—it startled me, that’s all,” Betty said, defensively.
“Was it big enough for rabbit pie?” asked Anne, unwittingly calling down the reproaches of all the scouts upon her head.
As they scolded Anne for always thinking of something to eat,—even a darling little rabbit,—Tally suddenly held up a hand for silence. Instantly everything was quiet. Then they heard distinctly the plaintive cry of a distressed animal.
“Dat deer call. Him ’fraid an’ need help. Shall us go?” explained Tally.
“Oh, yes, Tally, by all means!” exclaimed Mrs. Vernon.